More from Football

Ten-man Valencia grab draw

By Paul Higham

Last Updated: 01/01/70 1:00am

TEN-MAN Valencia came from a goal behind to earn a 1-1 draw with Internazionale in the first leg of their Uefa Cup quarter final at Guiseppe Meazza on Thursday night.

The home side took the lead through Marco Materazzi's minute header, but despite having Kily Gonzalez sent off soon after, the Spanish league leaders fought back to earn a draw thanks to a strike from Francisco Rufete (pictured).

This battle was the tie of the round pitting together the Spanish leaders with the Milan giants currently joint top of Serie A but Hector Cuper, facing his old side, had to make do with a draw despite things looking to go his way with 54 minutes gone.

Clarence Seedorf's 52nd minute corner was header down by Ivan Cordoba for Materazzi to finish off and give Inter the upper hand. Things went from bad to worse for Rafael Benitez's side as fiery Argentinian winger Gonzalez was sent off following a clash with Mohammed Kallon.

Despite being a man down, the Spaniards grabbed a vital equaliser after 65 minute through Rufete, and the game is now delicately poised for the return leg in Spain next week.

Valencia will be slight favourites for the second leg with their impressive defensive record, especially at home, and the vital away goal also in their favour.